Kitchen Air Conditioning System

ABSTRACT

A kitchen air-conditioning system comprises an air-conditioning assembly (1) and a range hood assembly (2); the air-conditioning assembly (1) comprises a compressor (11), a first heat exchanger (12) and a second heat exchanger (13) which are connected with each other through a plurality of refrigerating medium pipes (14); the range hood assembly (2) comprises a housing (21) and a fan (22), a rear air exhaust passage (3) is disposed outside of the housing (21); a third heat exchanger (4) and the fan (22) are disposed in the rear air exhaust passage (3); the third heat exchanger (4) communicates with the second heat exchanger (13) through a secondary refrigerant pipe (5). As the third heat exchanger (4) in the rear air exhaust passage (3) in communicates with the second heat exchanger (13) through the secondary refrigerant pipe (5), heat generated by the operation of the air-conditioning assembly (1) can be quickly exhausted to the outside through the fan (22).

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a kitchen air-conditioning system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As a main place for people to cook, the kitchen air environment directly affects the mood of the cook. Especially in summer, the sultry kitchen environment brings great discomfort to the cook. Accordingly, various kitchen air-conditioners have been proposed to cool the kitchen.

There is no significant difference between the existing kitchen air-conditioners and common air conditioners. There are generally two forms of kitchen air-conditioners. One form is split kitchen air-conditioner. That is, the outdoor unit is located outdoors, the indoor unit is located indoors, and the indoor and outdoor units each have a motor fan. The connection of the indoor and outdoor units in the split kitchen air-conditioner is realized by pipelines. Such a connection requires the formation of a hole on the wall, which destroys the decoration. Since the outdoor unit is hung outdoors, the structure is not compact enough and it is less aesthetically pleasing. The other form is integrated kitchen air-conditioner. That is, a dual-axis motor or two motors may be used. The integrated kitchen air-conditioner usually comprises a portable air conditioner and a window unit. When the portable air conditioner is used, it needs to be manually connected to the heat dissipation hose, and then the hose needs to be placed outside the window, which is inconvenient to use. It is necessary to form a large square hole on the wall, into which the window unit is placed. When not in use, the window unit may be moved from the hole. Although the square hole may be blocked with other things, it is messy and it destroys the decoration.

In addition, due to the limited space in the kitchen, the kitchen air conditioner should be not too large in size. Therefore, the heat dissipation of the kitchen air conditioner becomes a challenging problem. If the in-time heat dissipation of the kitchen air conditioner fails during its use, the energy efficiency of the air conditioner will be greatly reduced. However, the existing kitchen air conditioner and the range hood operate independently of each other, and they cannot be linked. The heat energy generated by the kitchen air conditioner cannot be exhausted to the outside through the fan of the range hood. Therefore, how to exhaust the heat energy generated by the kitchen air conditioner through the range hood becomes an urgent problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a kitchen air-conditioning system that ensures a good heat exchange effect between the air-conditioning assembly and the range hood assembly.

For achieving the above object, the kitchen air-conditioning comprises: an air-conditioning assembly and a range hood assembly; the air-conditioning assembly comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger which are connected with each other through a plurality of refrigerating medium pipes; wherein, the range hood assembly comprises a housing, a fan and a third heat exchanger, the housing has a first air intake passage inside; a rear air exhaust passage in communication with the first air intake passage is disposed outside of the housing; the third heat exchanger and the fan are disposed in the rear air exhaust passage; the third heat exchanger communicates with the second heat exchanger through a secondary refrigerant pipe with a first end and a second end; the secondary refrigerant from the first end of the secondary refrigerant pipe exchanges heat inside the second heat exchanger, and the secondary refrigerant from the second end of the secondary refrigerant pipe exchanges heat inside the third heat exchanger.

Preferably, a second air intake passage having an air inlet in communication with outside of the kitchen is disposed outside of the housing, the rear air exhaust passage also communicates with the outside of the kitchen through the second air intake passage.

In order to enable the system to have different operating modes, preferably, a first valve is disposed between the first air intake passage and the rear air exhaust passage to control communication between the first air intake passage and the rear air exhaust passage, a second valve capable of opening or closing the air inlet is disposed at the air inlet of the second air intake passage.

Preferably, the kitchen air-conditioning system is mounted inside a kitchen with a kitchen ceiling, the second air intake passage is disposed above the kitchen ceiling.

In order to purify the sucked fume, a fume purification device is disposed in the first air intake passage.

The air-conditioning assembly can be disposed in multiple positions, preferably, the air-conditioning assembly is disposed above the kitchen ceiling.

In order to supplement fresh air to the kitchen, preferably, the air-conditioning assembly has a fresh air inlet and a fresh air outlet both in communication with each other, and the fresh air outlet communicates with the interior space of the kitchen.

In order to ensure the air blown out from the fresh air outlet cleaner, a fresh air purification device is disposed inside the air duct between the fresh air inlet and the fresh air outlet.

The air-conditioning assembly can be various structures. Preferably, the air-conditioning assembly comprises a shell, and the shell has a first chamber and a second chamber inside the shell; the compressor and the second heat exchanger are disposed in the first chamber, the first heat exchanger and a heat exchanging fan working together with the first heat exchanger are disposed in the second chamber, the fresh air outlet is formed on the second chamber, and the fresh air outlet is defined as an air outlet of the first heat exchanger.

Preferably, the first heat exchanger is an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger is a condenser. In this way, the air-conditioning assembly provides cool air to the interior space of the kitchen, and the heat generated by the condenser can be exhausted through the rear air exhaust passage of the range hood assembly.

Preferably, as a preferred solution, the fan is disposed at back of the third heat exchanger.

Preferably, as another preferred solution, the fan is disposed at front of the third heat exchanger.

Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages. In the present invention, the kitchen air-conditioning system comprises an air-conditioning assembly and an range hood assembly, and because the fan of the range hood assembly is disposed in the rear air exhaust passage and the third heat exchanger in the rear air exhaust passage is in communication with the second heat exchanger of the air-conditioning assembly through the secondary refrigerant pipe, heat generated by the operation of the air-conditioning assembly can be quickly exhausted to the outside of the kitchen through the rear air exhaust passage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a kitchen air-conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the air-conditioning assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view of a kitchen air-conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be further described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by embodiments.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a kitchen air-conditioning system according to the present invention. The kitchen air-conditioning system comprises an air-conditioning assembly 1 and a range hood assembly 2.

The air-conditioning assembly 1 comprises a compressor 11, a first heat exchanger 12 and a second heat exchanger 13 which are connected with each other through a plurality of refrigerating medium pipes 14. A four-way valve (not shown) is disposed on the refrigerating medium pipes 14. The specific structure and the operating principle of the air-conditioning assembly 1 are the same as those of the existing air conditioners, and will not be repeated here.

The range hood assembly 2 comprises a housing 21 and a fan 22, the housing 21 has a first air intake passage 23 inside. A purifier 24 is disposed inside the first air intake passage 23. A rear air exhaust passage 3 in communication with the first air intake passage 23 is disposed outside of the housing 21. The kitchen air-conditioning system is mounted inside a kitchen with a kitchen ceiling 8, the second air intake passage 6 having an air inlet 6lis disposed above the kitchen ceiling 8;, the rear air exhaust passage 3 communicates with the outside of the kitchen through the second air intake passage 6.

The fan 22 of the range hood assembly is disposed inside the rear air exhaust passage 3, and a third heat exchanger 4 is also disposed inside the rear air exhaust passage 3. In this embodiment, the fan 22 is disposed at back of the third heat exchanger 4. The third heat exchanger 4 communicates with the second heat exchanger 13 through a secondary refrigerant pipe 5 with a first end 51 and a second end 52, the secondary refrigerant pipe 5 has secondary refrigerant flowing inside; the secondary refrigerant from the first end 51 of the secondary refrigerant pipe 5 exchanges heat inside the second heat exchanger 13, and the secondary refrigerant from the second end 52 of the secondary refrigerant pipe 5 exchanges heat inside the third heat exchanger 4. Usually, water is used as the secondary refrigerant. A water pump (not shown) is disposed on the secondary refrigerant pipe 5 to drive the water to circulate inside the secondary refrigerant pipe 5. Besides water, the secondary refrigerant can be other different substances such as ethylene glycol or glycerol.

A first valve 71 is disposed between the first air intake passage 23 and the rear air exhaust passage 3 to control communication between the first air intake passage 23 and the rear air exhaust passage 3. When both the air-conditioning assembly and the range hood assembly are working, the first valve 71 is opened so that the first air intake passage 23 and the rear air exhaust passage 3 are in communication. When only the air-conditioning assembly is working, the first valve 71 is closed, so that the first air intake passage 23 and the rear air exhaust passage 3 are isolated (not in communication) from each other. A second valve 72 capable of opening or closing the air inlet 61 is disposed at the air inlet 61 of the second air intake passage 6, the air inlet 61 of the second air intake channel 6 can be opened or closed by the second valve 72. When the air-conditioning assembly is working, the second valve 72 can be opened, to allow external air to enter the second air intake passage 6 and then flow into the rear air exhaust air passage 3 to take heat away from the third heat exchanger 4, so to further enhance the heat exchange effect of the third heat exchanger 4.

The air-conditioning assembly 1 in this embodiment is disposed above the kitchen ceiling 8. The air-conditioning assembly 1 further comprises a shell 10, and the shell 10 has a first chamber 100 and a second chamber 101 inside the shell 10; the compressor 11 and the second heat exchanger 13 are disposed in the first chamber 100, the first heat exchanger 12 and a heat exchanging fan 17 working together with the first heat exchanger 12 are disposed in the second chamber 101, a fresh air outlet 16 communicating with the interior space K of the kitchen is formed on the second chamber 101, and the fresh air outlet 16 is defined as an air outlet of the first heat exchanger 12.The air-conditioning assembly also has a fresh air inlet 15. A fresh air purification component 18 is disposed in the air duct between the fresh air inlet 15 and the fresh air outlet 16 inside the shell 10 to make the air entering into the kitchen cleaner.

By switching the four-way valve, the system can be switched between cooling mode and heating mode.

Under the cooling mode, the first heat exchanger 12 is an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 13 is a condenser. The outdoor air enters the second chamber 101 through the fresh air inlet 15 and is purified by the fresh air purification component 18. The purified fresh air is guided to the evaporator through the guide component 19, and then cool air is blown out from the fresh air outlet 16 to cool the kitchen. At the same time, the refrigerating medium in the condenser exchanges heat with the secondary refrigerant in the secondary refrigerant pipe 5, the secondary refrigerant pipe 5 also exchanges heat with the third heat exchanger 4 in the rear air exhaust passage 3, and the airflow in the rear air exhaust passage 3 passing over the surface of the third heat exchanger 4 can cool and take heat away from the third heat exchanger 4, thereby reducing the temperature of the secondary refrigerant flowing through the third heat exchanger 4. In this way, by reducing the temperature of the secondary refrigerant in the secondary refrigerant pipe 5, the heat exchange effect of the condenser can be improved, and the energy efficiency of the air-conditioning assembly can be improved accordingly.

Under the heating mode, the first heat exchanger 12 is a condenser and the second heat exchanger 13 is an evaporator. The purified air heated by the condenser enters into the kitchen to warm the kitchen in winter. The cold energy from the evaporator is transmitted to the third heat exchanger 4 in the rear air exhaust passage 3 through the secondary refrigeration pipe 5, and finally exhausted to the outside through the fan 22 of the range hood assembly 2.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the kitchen air-conditioning system according to the present invention. In the kitchen air-conditioning system of this embodiment, the fan 22 of the range hood assembly 2 is disposed at front of the third heat exchanger 4, and air from the air outlet of the fan 22 can be directly blown to the third heat exchanger 4, thereby effectively improving the heat exchange effect of the third heat exchanger 4. The other structure of kitchen air-conditioning system is the same as that of the above-mentioned first embodiment, and will not be further described here. 

1. A kitchen air-conditioning system, comprising an air-conditioning assembly (1) and a range hood assembly (2); the air-conditioning assembly (1) comprising a compressor (11), a first heat exchanger (12) and a second heat exchanger (13) which are connected with each other through a plurality of refrigerating medium pipes (14); wherein, the range hood assembly (2) comprises a housing (21), a fan (22) and a third heat exchanger (4), the housing (21) has a first air intake passage (23) inside; a rear air exhaust passage (3) in communication with the first air intake passage (23) is disposed outside of the housing (21); the third heat exchanger (4) and the fan (22) are disposed in the rear air exhaust passage (3); the third heat exchanger (4) communicates with the second heat exchanger (13) through a secondary refrigerant pipe (5) with a first end (51) and a second end (52); the secondary refrigerant from the first end (51) of the secondary refrigerant pipe (5) exchanges heat inside the second heat exchanger (13), and the secondary refrigerant from the second end (52) of the secondary refrigerant pipe (5) exchanges heat inside the third heat exchanger (4).
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a second air intake passage (6) having an air inlet (61) in communication with outside of the kitchen is disposed outside of the housing (21), the rear air exhaust passage (3) also communicates with the outside of the kitchen through the second air intake passage (6).
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein a first valve (71) is disposed between the first air intake passage (23) and the rear air exhaust passage (3) to control communication between the first air intake passage (23) and the rear air exhaust passage (3), a second valve (72) capable of opening or closing the air inlet (61) is disposed at the air inlet (61) of the second air intake passage (6).
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the kitchen air-conditioning system is mounted inside a kitchen with a kitchen ceiling (8), the second air intake passage (6) is disposed above the kitchen ceiling (8).
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the air-conditioning assembly (1) is disposed above the kitchen ceiling (8).
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the air-conditioning assembly (1) has a fresh air inlet (15) and a fresh air outlet (16) both in communication with each other, and the fresh air outlet (16) communicates with the interior space (K) of the kitchen.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the air-conditioning assembly (1) comprises a shell (10), and the shell (10) has a first chamber (100) and a second chamber (101) inside the shell (10); the compressor (11) and the second heat exchanger (13) are disposed in the first chamber (100), the first heat exchanger (12) and a heat exchanging fan (17) working together with the first heat exchanger (12) are disposed in the second chamber (101), the fresh air outlet (16) is formed on the second chamber (101), and the fresh air outlet (16) is defined as an air outlet of the first heat exchanger (12).
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first heat exchanger (12) is an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger (13) is a condenser.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the fan (22) is disposed at back of the third heat exchanger (4).
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fan (22) is disposed at front of the third heat exchanger (4). 